Do I Have Pubic Lice (Crabs)?

Do you have itching in your genital areas?

Do you have intense itching especially at night?

Do you have to scratch your pubic area often?

Do you have redness and tenderness in you pubic area?

Have you notices a black powder in your underwear?

Do you have dark or bluish spots or small spots of blood on your skin on your thighs or lower abdomen?

Have you be able to see tiny tan, whitish-gray or dark insects on your pubic hair?

Have you be able to see small oval and yellow, white or pearly nits (crab’s eggs) on the bottom part of your pubic hair?

Do you feel feverish, run-down, or irritable?

Has anyone close to you had pubic lice?

Have you had sex with someone you suspect has pubic lice?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have pubic lice. Pubic lice or “crabs” are small insects that can be found in your genital area. Pubic lice are sexually transmitted diseases, but it is possible to get them by sharing clothing, bed linens or towels with an infected person. Pubic lice can be found in pubic hair, but also in underarm and leg hair, beard and mustaches, and hair on the chest, abdomen and back. Pubic lice are just 2mm long and it could be difficult to see them. Unfortunately, you can't protect yourself from pubic lice during sex, even if you use a condom.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have pubic lice. Pubic lice, also known as crabs are STD caused by a tiny parasite that lives on coarse human body hair such as the hair around your genitals. Pubic lice are common STD and about 3 million new cases of pubic lice are diagnosed every year in the US. The symptoms of pubic lice usually appear within 5 days after exposure. The main symptom is intense itching in your genital area. Often, people think that they just have some kind of rash. Diagnosing pubic lice is based on an examination of your pubic area.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have pubic lice. Pubic lice are small parasitic insects found in your pubic area. Pubic lice are commonly called crabs because these parasites look similar to crabs that you see on the beach. Crabs are STD and you can get them during sex with an infected person even if you use a condom. During a physical examination, your doctor will be able to see the lice or their eggs in your pubic area. Treatment includes over-the-counter insecticide cream, lotion and shampoo, or prescribed medications. If you have pubic lice, your sexual partner must also be treated.